Health and Safety is a subject that is probably starting to engender feelings similar to those demonstrated when someone mentions Taxes or Bills. It has spiralled to a point where our children are not allowed to run in playgrounds, Dodgem cars shouldn’t bump into each other, and no pins for British Legion poppies in case someone gets pricked!
However, there is definitely a Health and Safety case to be heard when working day in and day out with highly flammable, toxic chemicals. A quick search on the internet will highlight hundreds, if not thousands, of people and property getting hurt through doing silly things with petroleum products.
At Fuel Fixer we are very serious about safeguarding not only ourselves, but our customers and the general public as well. It was this in mind that all of our engineers, and even most of our administrative staff, have been put through the Safety Pass Alliance (SPA) Passport Courses on general health and safety as well as Petrol Retail (www.safetypassports.co.uk).
The course covers the following:
“Course aim
To build on the basic health and safety information of the Core Day programme by concentrating on risks specifically found with working on a Petrol Filling Station.
To allow delegates to recognise hazards, utilise control measures and safe working practices and maintain a safe working environment.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course delegates will:
- Demonstrate their understanding of the subjects by successfully completing each module assessment paper
- Appreciate how they personally can influence good standards within health safety & environment
- Understand the value of risk assessment and have the knowledge to recognise when changes to a generic assessment is required
- Understand the common hazards associated with working in this sector
MODULE 1 – Hazards on a Petrol Filling Station
Module Content
- Types of hazards
- Fuel hazards
- Fuel properties
- DSEAR
- Restricted areas on a petrol forecourt
- Hazardous areas
- Zone classification
- Delivery hazards
- Vapour recovery
- Customer hazards
- Other hazards
- Contractor hazards
MODULE 2: Controlling Work on a Forecourt
Module Content
- Communication
- Documentation
- Safety method statements
- Clearance certificates
- Permits to work
- Task classification”
Ref: http://www.safetypassports.co.uk/courses/petrol-retail/
If you ever need the fuel removed from your vehicle for whatever reason (petrol in your diesel, diesel in your petrol, etc) make sure that whoever is going to do the job for you is fully SPA trained and certified. It’s easier to find a professional fuel drainer than it is to tackle a petroleum fire.